Through the legal process of trademark opposition, third parties can object to the registration of a trademark. To notify the public, a trademark application filed by an individual or organization is frequently published in a trademark journal. Anyone who feels that their rights or interests will be harmed by the trademark registration may file an opposition during the publishing period, which typically lasts a few months. The potential of confusion with an already-registered trademark, the trademark’s descriptiveness, or the fact that it is misleading or against public policy can all be grounds for opposition. The opposition process begins with the submission of arguments and data to a trademark authority, which evaluates and renders a decision.
When a trademark opposition is successful, it can stop the trademark from being registered, safeguarding the rights of both parties and the integrity of trademark registration.